Rượu

Fact: In Vietnam, the average amount of alcohol, including rượu, consumed per person aged 15 and older each year is 8.3 liters of pure alcohol.

Rượu: Basic Information

Pronunciation

roo-u

Alternative Name(s)

No

Drink Type

Distilled alcoholic beverages

Mealtime

Anytime

Rượu: Origin and Region

Origin

Vietnam

Continent’s Region

Southeast Asia

Country’s Region

Nationwide Origin

Associated Region

Unspecified

Popular Rượu Variations

Rượu Đế

Rượu đế is a traditional Vietnamese spirit, typically distilled from rice or other grains with a high alcohol content.

Rượu Nếp

From northern Vietnam; made from glutinous rice; mild alcohol.

Rượu Cần

Rượu cần is an indigenous Vietnamese wine fermented in jugs for a month and enjoyed through a long straw.

Rượu Vang

Vietnamese wine made from grapes, varies from red to white.

Rượu Bầu Đá

Named after the water source used in fermentation and distillation, ‘Bàu đá’. High alcohol content, over 50%.

Rượu Chuối Hột

An alcoholic beverage infused with a fruit of Musa barjoo (referred to as “chuối hột” in Vietnamese); many use this liquor for medicinal purposes.

Rượu Dừa

Made from either the fruit or the flower of the coconut; normally fermented in a whole coconut; very popular in Ben Tre Province.

Rượu Rắn

Also known as snake wine, infused with whole snakes.

Rượu Đế Gò Đen

Made from rice or glutinous rice using traditional methods. Notably high in alcohol content, up to 50%.

Rượu Nếp Cẩm

Made from purple glutinous rice; rich in color and taste.

Rượu Nếp Than

A liquor from the Mekong Delta region, made from black glutinous rice; has a red-brown or purplish color.

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Rượu refers to a group of alcohol in Vietnam, like spirits or wine (except beer). Depending on ingredients and methods, rượu is available in different types and names. In Vietnam, they also vary based on regions across the country.

Rượu is typically made by fermenting rice or other grains, fruits, or even flowers. Many Vietnamese-style rượu is made from rice, like rượu đế, rượu nếp, rượu cần, etc. Rượu made from fruits, typically grapes, is called rượu vang.

Rượu is a favorite drink in Vietnam. Alcohol consumption in Vietnam is notably high. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the consumption rate is overwhelmingly dominated by beer, which accounts for 91.5% of all alcoholic drinks consumed, followed by spirits at 7.7% and 0.8% for wine.

It anticipates that by 2025, Vietnam will become the largest per capita consumer of alcoholic drinks in Asia and rank 25th globally, with an expected average consumption of 11.4 liters of alcohol per person per year.

Vietnam’s rượu boasts a rich array of types, each with unique characteristics and tastes. Grasping the pros and cons of rượu is crucial. Also, explore the FAQs for deeper insights into these Vietnamese spirits and their global counterparts. And all of this interesting information will be shown in the following sections. Keep scrolling!

Rượu Images

Rượu đế is normally served in a small cup.

A bottle of rượu nếp in Vietnam.

A big jar of rượu cần next to a fireplace.

What Are Popular Vietnamese Types of Rượu?

Here, you’ll explore the diversity of Vietnamese rượu, where each type offers its unique character. Check out the table for more details.

Rượu Đế

Traditional distilled liquor made from glutinous or non-glutinous rice in Vietnam; strong and clear.

Rượu Nếp

From northern Vietnam; made from glutinous rice; mild alcohol.

Rượu Cần

Also known as straw liquor, enjoyed through bamboo straws; made from glutinous rice; popular in ethnic groups in areas such as Tay Nguyen or Tay Bac.

Rượu Vang

Vietnamese wine made from grapes, varies from red to white.

Rượu Bầu Đá

Named after the water source used in fermentation and distillation, ‘Bàu đá’. High alcohol content, over 50%.

Rượu Chuối Hột

An alcoholic beverage infused with a fruit of Musa barjoo (referred to as “chuối hột” in Vietnamese); many use this liquor for medicinal purposes.

Rượu Dừa

Made from either the fruit or the flower of the coconut; normally fermented in a whole coconut; very popular in Ben Tre Province.

Rượu Rắn

Also known as snake wine, infused with whole snakes.

Rượu Đế Gò Đen

Made from rice or glutinous rice using traditional methods. Notably high in alcohol content, up to 50%.

Rượu Nếp Cẩm

Made from purple glutinous rice; rich in color and taste.

Rượu Nếp Than

A liquor from the Mekong Delta region, made from black glutinous rice; has a red-brown or purplish color.

After learning about the popular types of rượu in Vietnam, let’s consider their advantages and disadvantages.

Pros and Cons of Drinking Rượu

To gain a balanced understanding of rượu, it’s essential to consider its benefits and drawbacks with the table below.

Now, let’s turn your attention to some frequently asked questions about rượu to clarify any further curiosities.

Rượu FAQs